A 50 y/o COVID positive male is admitted to the med-Surg floor on 4L BNC. Shortly after arriving, the patient turned blue and became hypoxic. The rapid response team was called and the patient was immediately taken to get a CT scan with PE protocol to assess for a clot in the lung. The patient had to be placed on a bipap for transfer to radiology. This involved a respiratory therapist, ICU nurse, charge nurse, and a primary RN. I was instructed to carry 2 extra oxygen tanks as the patient was depleting the existing tanks rather quickly. As we arrive at radiology, the current 2 tanks are emptied, and I had to run to another department to grab additional back ups.
Once the CT was completed, we moved straight to the cardiac cath lab. There, they told the patient that it was necessary to perform a rapid sequence intubation and subsequent transfer to the ICU after all imaging was done. The pt became tearful and stated he could not breathe throughout the full 2 hour code.
Covid has been such a strange virus and we continue to learn more at each patient encounter. Prior to this admission, the patient was healthy with minimal preexisting conditions. The last night shift I worked, I happened to walk into his room to fix a beeping IV and was so excited to see this man awake, alert, and talking to me.
He told me that he had several clots throughout his entire body.. his heart, lungs, and his legs. He stated that he had coded twice in the ICU. He was covered in bruises and complaining of severe generalized pain. He was placed on a heparin drip to prevent any further clotting. I was so excited to see how “good” he looked and he was so grateful to be alive.
Covid is no joke and can change a life in seconds. This man may still be on oxygen, be quarantined in the hospital through Christmas, be covered in bruises, and suffering from generalized pain; however, he is alive. This is another humbling reminder to always count my blessings.
Until next shift,
Shania